2007 Macarthur Business Hall of Fame

Three leading entrepreneurs from the Macarthur business community were honoured on Thursday 13 September before an audience of over 200 people drawn from across the Macarthur Region.

Carlos Broens, Peter Donnelly and Ken Tagg were inducted into the 2007 Macarthur Business Hall of Fame and presented with a stunning glass trophy as a memento of the occasion. On a perfect September evening at Gledswood Homestead & Winery, the audience watched as an impressive visual display showcased the achievements of these three prominent Macarthur businessmen.

MACROC President, Councillor Rob Elliott explains the significance of the Event, “In creating the Macarthur Business Hall of Fame last year, the Councils of the Macarthur Region wanted to publicly acknowledge the significant contribution that certain individuals make to the success of this Region. These individuals recognise that business success is more than just about making a profit, it is about actively supporting the area in which you conduct your business. It is about developing a strong sense of commitment to place and community.”

“This year MACROC is delighted to acknowledge three business entrepreneurs who have contributed not only to the creation of employment and economic growth in the Region but who have also been actively involved in contributing to the social fabric of our community.”

“These three men from such different backgrounds and in such diverse industries have one thing in common,” says Cr Rob Elliott, “they have all actively sought to increase the economic and social capital of our Macarthur community. And for that we thank them.”

Carlos Broens

Carlos established Broens Toolmaking (later to become Broens Industries) in 1979. In the time since its establishment Broens has grown dramatically to become a diverse manufacturing company. During the first three years Broens established a large enough customer base to rent a factory at Prestons, Liverpool. The company continued to grow and by 1986 occupied three units in the factory complex when space was at a premium. Consistent growth however saw the need to expand once again and land was purchased at Ingleburn in August 1986 to build a new factory. But it wasn’t long before the company had outgrown this factory and in 1995 Broens moved to the current premises in Williamson Road, Ingleburn, where the business continues to expand.

Peter Donnelly

Over the years The Peter Donnelly Automotive Group has continued to grow, with dealerships not only in Macarthur, but also the Southern Highlands. A further expansion occurred in 2005 when the Peter Donnelly Group opened an additional used vehicle outlet in Wollongong.

Ken Tagg

Ken Tagg was born in Lakemba in 1942 and was the second of seven children. At the age of fourteen Ken had to leave school and work to support the family. When he was eighteen he started what was to be a twenty-two year career with the Coca Cola Company and became the first Sales Representative Coca Cola employed in Australia and indeed the World.